Electrical relay or electromagnet.



E. E. CLEMENT. I ELECTRICAL RELAY OR ELBCTROMAGNET.

APPLICATION FILED 1130.16. 1905.

946,489, Patented Jan 11,1910.

& k N

I. 3 v gum-for Witnesses UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

EDWARD E. CLEMENT, OF WASHINGTON, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, ASSIGNOR TO THE NORTH ELECTRIC COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

ELECTRICAL RELAY OR ELECTROMAGNET.

sa tea.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Jam. 11, 1910. Application filed December 16, 1905. Serial No. 292,080.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, EDWARD E. CLEMENT, 'a citizen of the United States, residing at Washington, in the District of Columbia, haye invented certain new and useful Improvements in Electrical Relays or Electromagnets, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawing.

My invention relates to electrical relays or circuit changing devices, and has for its object the production of a relay which will satisfy the following requirements: Its time of operation must be regulable by simple means, so that it can be caused to act quickly and recover slowly, or vice versa, or both act and recover either quickly or slowly. The contacts must be of standard form, preferably of platinum carried by German silver springs mounted on the frame of the device. The operation must be positive and sharp, without margins and not liable to change through depreciation or deterioration. The entire device must be adapted to be mounted with others upon a frame or rack, and must be covered and protected by a shell or casing preferably of metal, so as to exclude dust and moisture.

I attain my object, as above stated, to-

gether with subsidiary objects which will sufficiently appear from the detail description hereinafter, by the following construction and arrangement: I employ as the actuating' means a solenoid having a plunger core, the central tube of the magnet spool constituting Ia dash-pot with a valve or valves by which the movement of the core may be determined and regulated. I mount this solenoid preferablyin a vertical position, so that the core will be drawn down by gravity; and in order to give it certainty of action I provide a return magnetic circuit in the shape of a soft iron frame with side pieces parallel to the core and one end piece carrying-the valve or valves, while the other is perforated to permitlthe passage of the core. Upon the side pieces of the framev I mount the contact-springs after a fashion now well understood and practiced in other types of relays. In order to move these springs and produce different effects in or among their contacts, I provide bell-crank levers or toggle levers,orlboth, att'he lower end of vthe solenoid, these being moved bv the core when itis drawn up and retracted.

ment of my invention. Fig. 2 is a side view looking in a direction at right angles to that of Fig. 1, the shell only being in section. Fig. 3 is a bottom plan view of the device. Figs. 4: and 5. are detail views of the operating levers. I

' Referring to the drawings, 1 is a cap, preferably of insulating material such as hard fiber. Upon this cap is secured the soft iron frame 2, having the side pieces 3 which are parallel to each other and also to the central tube 4 of the solenoid spool, which is fitted with one fiber or rubber head 5 and one soft iron head 6, the latter to complete the magnetic circuit. The central tube 4 Iprefer to make of brass, although it may also be made of paper, hard fiber or the like, or it may even be made of soft iron, provided it is suitably proportioned. Fitted to slide within this tube 4 is the plunger core 7, having an enlarged head 8, which fits the tube rather snugly. At its lower end the core is threaded to receive the nuts 9 and 10, theformer be ing preferably circular or carrying a circular washer, and the latter of indifferent shape, serving as a lock nut. Mounted upon the side piece 3 of the frame are sets of contact springs 11, 12, 13, etc. Each setof these may consist of two or more springs. The number of sets may be varied as will presently appear.

In Fig. 2 I have shown three sets of springs on one side frame, and there may be three more sets on the other side frames, making a total of six sets. Each set may act to make a circuit by closing together when actuated, to break a circuit by opening when actuated, orto make and break. thus both opening and closing when actuated. In. the drawings herewith I have shown the lastnamed arrangement;

By reference to Fig. 1- it will be seen that the spring,'15, plays between the two springs 12 and 14, In its normal position it rests against and makes contact with the spring 14, but-when raised up as shown it leaves spring, 14, and comes into contact with remain set in the position so taken until u on spring 12. In order to produce certainty of action among these springs I provide an sulating stud 16 for each set, the spring 14 resting upon a shoulder formed on the stud, and forcing the latter thereby against the side piece 3. The spring 12 rests upon the end of a reduced portion of the stud, while the spring 15 movesfreely upon it, both .In the form of relay I have here chosen to illustrate, the outer sets of springs on both sides are operated simultaneously at opposite ends of the stroke of the solenoid core; that is to say, when the core is drawn all the way up as in- Figs. 1 and 2, the spring 15 of each set is forced out. These springs then a lengthy break. in the circuit the core as dropped all the way down and the head 8 reached its lo wgrmost position, when the rings are tripped and again thrown inward.

o accomplish this Iemploy a double pair of toggle levers, one air for each double set of springs. These evers are best shown in Figs. 1 and 3, with detail views in-Figs. 4 and 5. Referring first to'Fig. 4, it will be seen that the frame 17 has projecting through the openings in its end portions 18 a pair of levers 21 and 22 with hook ends 23'and 24, and their middle points pivoted together at 25. On. the outer end of each lever is a butt'n of insulation 26, which takes against the operating s ring 15 in order to actuate the same. hen the core is drawn all the way up, the nut 9 or its washer rising beneath the. pivot points 25 lifts the to gle levers 21 and 22, so that their ends side in the openings in the yokes 17, and the insulating -5O buttons 26 are thrown o 'twardly in opposite directions. The pivot' ends 25 of the levers are drawn up so as to be on center or preferably a little past center, so that the inward pressure of the,springs15 will hold them in position and prevent their dropping down Without some positive force to move them again past thecenter. The stem of the core 7 passing freely; through the central opening between the'toggle levers (21, 22

and 27, 28 produces no effect thereon until .it.has reac ed its lowermost position, whereu on the head 8 engages the pivot ends on t e upper side, and the weight of the core carries them doj svn until 'theyt are below a straight line oining the points of impact on the springs, when the inwardpressul'e of the latter will force them down the rest of plates the actuation of the contact-springs in one direction when the solenoid core is pulled all the way up, and in the contrary direction when it is dropped all the way down. In order to regulate the time of these movements I provide the tube 4 at its upper end with a check valve comprising a weighted cap 30, resting on a perforated cap 31, secured upon the outer endof-the stud 29, which has a. central channel or air passage, and being of soft iron forms a part of the magnetic circuit. I have-not found it necessary to use any packing around the head 8, nor indeed to have any special adjustmentof the valve; but if the same be requiredin order to produce an especially lon' movement of the core, I consider it wit iin the scope of my invention. \Vith this check valve set as shown the core 7 will pull up very quickly, throwing out the springs 15 sharply u on the first make in the solenoid circuit. hen so attracted and drawn up, the core head 8 expels the air in the tube throu h the channel or opening in the stud 29 an the cap 31; but when the corejstarts to fall, this channel is closed, hence air is admitted to the tube very slowly, leakin aroun the head. 8. ,"The time of descent the core may be regulated quite well with this simple arrangement, so as to reach two seconds or more if required, while the upward motion canbe made practically instantaneous.

In addition to the outer sets of springs, I have shown two middle sets, one of these appearing in Fig; "S at 11. These sets of s rings are precisely like the others, but

t eir mode of operation is different. I wish the conditionfof these to be changed only. whenthe core'is fully drawn up, and

to remain changed only until it starts down, -the original condition being then immediately restored, without waiting for the completion of its travel. For this pur oseI provide a pair of intermediate bel -crank levers 32 and 33, passing through the'central openings in the end pieces 18 of the yoke 17, and lying between the opposite pairs of togle levers 21, 22, 27 and 28. The enter on s f theselevers are turned up to form bellcranks, as shownuat 34 -35, and carry insulating studs or buttons 36 to bear against the operating springs of thesets 11. These bell-cranks are maintained in the bracket ends of theyolse 17 by,the pressure of the s'prin s against .them, as best shown in Fig. 2. T eir direction of operation, that is the determination of whether they will operate on the up/ stroke or on the down stroke of Manama...

under 'the valve 9. little, and also lit the core, depends upon the direction in which the ends Hr-35 are turned. Turned up, as shown in the figure, they will operate when the core is drawn all the my up; bu t it reversed, so that the ends 3-1 are turned down, they will obviously be actuated to operate the springs when the core is all. the way down only. Since these two bellcranks on opposite sides are not connected together. I may combine these effects by turning one up and the other down, whereby one of their sets of springs will be operated when the solenoid core goes up, released when it starts down; the other set will be operated when it is all the way down, and released when it st. rts up.

The toggle levers 21, and 27, 28 are preferably kept in parallelism for the most eflicient operation, although this is not absolutely essential. They may be connected as shown in Fig. 3, by bridge pieces 37 and 3S,

the former connecting the two side levers 21 and 27, and the latter the side levers 22 and 'lhcse bridge pieces are bent down so as to project below the bell-crank levers 32 and 33, as best shown in Fig. 2.

In order to secure my relay against deterioration or loss of efiiciency due to dust and 1noisture,-I provide a metal shell 39, which is fastened to the cap 1', preferably by screw-threads -it0. This'shell has a reduced lower portion ll extending down from its body to receive the core 7 when retracted. A small air vent 42 may be produced in the end of this reduced portion, if required, or for that matter in any other part of the shell. I very much prefer not; to have it, but to make the shell as nearly as possible dust and moisture proof.

It is to be understood that my invention is not limited to the specific form illustrated and described herein. I find this relay to be especially useful in certain types of telephone exchange systems which I have designed, and in its continued use changes and imyn'ovements are certain to occur, but such changes and improven'ients I consider within the scope of my present, invention, without alterlng its character, and I wish my present claims to'be so construed. I would point out particularly that the combination of bell-cranks and toggle levers is not invariable, since there are other and equivalent mechanical means which may be substi,

tuted therefor; and I also oint out that instead of having the toggle evers on the outside and the bell-cranks on the inside, the reverse may be advantageously arranged in some cases. Such changes involve only mechanical skilh and I reserve the right to make them. It. will be observed that the yoke 17 is secured to the head 6 of the magnet by screws. The head 6 is preferably screwed on the tube 4 at its lower end, the upper en being suitably attached to the stud 21), which furnishes the means not only for securing the cap 1 and the frame 2 to the magnet, but also for suspending the entire structure for the rack or frame, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the frame being marked 43, and being clamped between the cap 1 and the cap-nut 31.

By taking out the screws 4st, the yoke 17 and all of its attached parts maybe removed, as shown in Fi e st, together with the core '7, which will then drop out of the solenoid.

T he arrangement of the studs or insulating buttons 26 and 36 may be such that all the contacts will be visible at the lower end of the relay. Such an arrangement is not specifically described, but is contemplated herein, and may be claimed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is 1. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumcntalities: a magnetic frame, a winding supported in said frame, a plunger core within the winding, contact springs mounted on the :l' ame parallel to the core, and levers associated with said springs and. adapted to be rocked by said core to actuate the springs, substantially as described.

An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a magnetic frame, a winding supported therein, a plunger core adapted to reciprocate in the winding, contact springs supported upon members of the frame lying parallel to the core, actuating means for the springs mounted to rock on the frame, and connections such that the said means will be engaged and actuated by the core in its movement, substantially as described.

it. An electrical relay comprising the following instrun'ientalities: a magnetic frame and a. central tube, a winding on the tube and a plunger core moving within it, springcontacts mounted on the frame, substantially parallel to the core, and a yoke associated tl'icrewith, together with means carried in said yoke adapted to transmit motion from the pl ungcr core to said contact springs, substantially as described.

4. An el'ltrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a solenoid having a plunger core, means for regulating the rate of movement of said core in the solenoid, a frame piece secured upon the solenoid, contacts mounted thereon parallel to the core, and operating means associated therewith adapted to be actuated by the core at different points in its travel, substantially as described.

5. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: an electromagnet structure, an armature therefor, means for retarding the movements of said armature, contacts controlled thereby mounted on said magnet structure, and means for directly operating said contacts, said means belng engaged by the armatureat the end of each when so moved engaging the contact springs to change their relations, substantially as described.

7. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: an electromagnet having a retarded armature, contact springs associated therewith, and a toggle lever set and unset to operate and restore the contactsprings, at opbposite ends of the travel of the armature, su stantially as described.

8. An electrical relay comprising the following-instrumentalit1es: A solenoid provided with a magnetic frame 2, a central tube 4, heads5 and 6, a yoke 17, toggle levers carried in said yoke, contact springs secured upon the frame and adapted to be engaged by said toggle levers, and a core for the solenoid reciprocating therein and fittedv with means to engage the toggle levers on opposite sides at opposite ends of its travel, whereby the springs may be set in one position by the travel of the solenoid-core in one direction and unset when its travel is completed in the opposite direction, substantially as described,

9. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: an electromagnet having a movable magnetic core, contact springs associated with said magnet, a bell-' crank lever having one edge engaging said springs, and means whereby the moving magnetic core may engage the other end of said bell-crank to work the springs, substantially as described.

10. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a solenoid depending from a support or cap and fitted with a plun er core, a magnetic frame for said solenoi and contact-springs mounted thereon, a yoke secured upon an at the lower end of the frame, and a bell-crank lever mounted in said yoke, so that one arm will engage the-springs and the other arm will be enga-gedby the core of the solenoid,

"substantially as described.

'11. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a solenoid carrying contact-springs and having a plunger core, and intermediate operating means also carried-on the solenoid, engaging the springs and normally disengaged from the core and adapted to be engaged by the core to operate the same, substantially as described.

12. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumeutalities: a solenoid carrying contact-springs and having a plunger core, and intermediate pivoted operating means also carried by the solenoid engaging the springs and normally disengaged from the core and adapted to be engaged by the core to operate the same, together with means to regulate the rate of movement of the core, substantially as described.

13. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a solenoid having a magnetic frame carrying contact-springs and having a plunger core, and intermediate operating means carried on said frame, engaging the springs and engaged by the core, to operate the same, sald intermediate operating means adapted to be moved by the core only at the end of its travel in either direction and to remain set when so operated until positively reset or restored, substan tially as described.

14. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a solenoid carrying contact springs and having a plunger core, and intermediate operating means engaging the springs and engaged by the core to operate the same, said intermediate means comprising toggle levers adapted to be engaged by the core at opposite ends of its travel, and remaining set after being so engaged during the return excursion of the core, substantially as described.

15. An electrical relay comprising the fol lowing instrumentalities: a solenoid carrying contact springs and having a plunger core, and intermediate operating means ongaging the springs and engaged by the core to operate the same, said intermediate means comprising bell-crank levers engaged by the core at the end of its travel, substantially as described.

16. An electrical relay comprising the following instrumentalities: a solenoid comprising contact springs and having a plunger core, and intermediate operating means engaging the springs and engaged by the core to operate the same, said intermediate means comprising bell-crank and toggle levers engaged by the core at the end of its travel, said toggle levers remaining set when so engaged until positively unset, but said bell crank being self-restoring, whereby the contact springs controlled by the toggle levers may be set and unset at stated intervals, and the other contact springs may be moved intermittently 01' momentarily, subdiameter to provide for order during its travel, substantially as described.

18. An electrical relay comprising an operating magnet and separately insulated contact springs, together with means normally scribed.

19. An electrical relay comprising a solenoid, insulated contact springs, a plunger core with means to operate said springs asynchronously, and means on the solenoid to regulate the rate of movementof said core, substantially as described.

20. An electrical relay comprising a solenoid having a central tube, a plunger core therein, means fitted to said tube whereby the motion of said plunger core in one d1- reetion is made slower than in the reverse direction, and contact springs adapted to be actuated by the core at definite points in its direct and reversed travel, substantially as described.

21. An electrical relay comprising a solenoid having contact springs and a plunger core for operating thesame, means for effecting a quicker movement of said plunger in one direction than in the reverse direction and a shell or casting inclosing the relay and tightly secured thereto, and provided with an extension chamberpf reduced the movement of as described.

the core, substantially ay comprising a solen 22. An electrical re oid, contact springs therefor, a moving magnetic core and 1ntermed1ate operating means between said core and the springs, and an inclosing shell for the entire relay to protect the same from dust and moisture, said springs, core, operating-means and shell, all being supported upon the relay frame, substantially as described.

23. An electrical relay comprising a solenoid with its axis vertical, and having a central tube,a plunger core adapted to be magnetically drawn up therein and to fall by gravity, and a gravity actuated valve fitted upon said tube, so as to relieve the air pressure upon the upward movement of the plunger but to cause the formation of a partial vacuum upon the downward movement thereof, whereby the action of the solenoid when energized isrendered quick, and when deenergized is retarded, together withcontact devices adapted to be actuated at different points in the opposite travel of the plunger, substantially as described.

24, An electrical relay comprising a solenoid having a central tube, a plunger core.

therein, means adapted to be engaged by the plunger core at the end of its movement for effecting the closure of contacts and means for regulating the time constant for the relay, substantially as described.

' In testimony whereof I afiix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

EDWARD E. CLEMENT.

-Witnesses:

E, EDMONSTON, Jr., JAMES H. MAnR. 

